Patriarch Porfirije wrote in his message that Christmas is a feast of peace and urged people to overcome divisions, stressing that fear cannot be cured by fear or hatred by hatred. He warned of growing religious, ethnic and cultural divides, rising geopolitical tensions, wars, economic insecurity, inequality and technological isolation, all of which are fuelling anxiety and a loss of trust.
He concluded that fear arises when people feel alone, adding that the birth of Jesus Christ shows humanity is not alone and never will be.
Croatian Serb leader extends Christmas greetings
Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS) leader Milorad Pupovac also attended the liturgy and, through the media, conveyed the traditional Orthodox Christian greeting, including among Orthodox Serbs: "God's peace, Christ is born! Truly He is born!"
Pupovac said that on a day like this, in a world that is becoming increasingly restless, insecure and unstable, it is especially important to believe in peace.
"It is important that we commit ourselves to peace wherever we can, above all to peace between ourselves and others, peace with those we work and live with, and with those towards whom we bear responsibility to create a better life for ourselves and for others, and better conditions for togetherness in this country," Pupovac said.
Relations between Serbia and Croatia burdened by war
He also commented on relations between Serbia and Croatia, saying they remain burdened by the 1991-1995 war, unresolved wartime issues and global conflicts that resonate in the region, affecting both peoples and both states.
He added that such circumstances are already enough to strain relations, and that further inflammatory words or actions only make matters worse, stressing that it is time to halt this negative trend.